Popolos is a relative veteran in our area, serving up Mediterranean dishes for almost a decade. But with more than its share of ownership and staff changes over the years, consistency hasn’t been a source of its longevity.
The past few months have brought about even more changes to the restaurant, but there’s reason to hope they’re for the better. Michel Boutemy, formerly of Paris Vendome, is now the manager in the front, while Jesse Moreno recently left Seventeen Seventeen to take charge of the kitchen.
Moreno says he plans subtle adjustments to the menu over the next few months, but the comfortably upscale feel of the place, which includes live jazz on Thursday through Saturday nights, will remain much the same.
POPOLOS
707 Preston (at Royal) ~ 214-692-5497
Lunch Hours: Sun-Fri 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dinner Hours: Sun 5-9 p.m., Mon-Thurs 5-10 p.m., Fri-Sat 5-11 p.m.
$$, FB
Pan Roasted Salmon on Parmesan Risotto (Serves 6)
Six 7 oz. salmon filets
12 oz. olive caper tomato ragout (recipe below)
4 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups Arborio risotto
2 tablespoons minced shallots
2 tablespoons minced garlic
4 cups chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
In a small skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and pan sear filets. Place skillet in the oven for four to five minutes at 400 degrees. In a medium skillet, heat remaining olive oil and sauté shallots and garlic at medium heat. Add risotto and keep stirring and cooking for five minutes, adding chicken stock constantly and slowly allowing rice to absorb liquid. Add cream to reduce. Add butter and Parmesan cheese. Stir risotto constantly for two more minutes. Finish with thyme, salt and pepper. Place filets over risotto and top with ragout.
Olive Caper Tomato Ragout
2 teaspoons minced risotto
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3 cups crushed tomatoes
½ teaspoon chopped capers
½ cup sliced pitted Calamata olives
2 pinches fresh chopped basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Cook all ingredients in a small skillet for four minutes.
Arts & Entertainment
Annual Dallas Jewish Film Festival Kicks off Saturday, Sept. 6 at 9 p.m. with the Dallas premier of Monsieur Batignole, a film about a middle-aged butcher in occupied France who finds himself suddenly thrust into heroism when a fugitive Jewish child appears on his doorstep seeking shelter. The premier will be followed by a dessert reception. Other offerings include: Rosenzweig’s Freedom, Monday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m.; A Trumpet in the Wadi, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m.; Gloomy Sunday, Saturday, Sept. 13, 9 p.m.; Made in Israel, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 7 p.m.; Leo Und Claire, Thursday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m.; and Would I Lie To You?, Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 p.m. All films have English sub-titles. Advance tickets are $13 for opening night, $9 for all other showings, or $60 for all seven films. Tickets at the door are an additional $1. AMC Glen Lakes Theater, 9450 N. Central Expwy. Purchase advance tickets by calling 214-739-2737, ext. 215.
Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse Friday, Sept. 12, Albert & Gage with the Laws; Friday, Sept. 19, Cheryl Wheeler with Frank Meyer ($15); Sept. 26, L.J. Booth with Laurie McClain. A smoke-free, alcohol-free venue for live music. All shows start at 8 p.m. and are $10-$12 unless noted. Northpark Presbyterian Church, 9555 N. Central. For information, call 214-363-0044 or visit www.unclecalvins.org.
Photography Exhibit Opening Sunday, Sept. 14, 6-8 p.m. This exhibit features the art of three local photographers, Mahesh Brown, David Donovan and Michael Lyon, whose works will be displayed throughout September and October. At Ligne Roset, 1617 Hi Line, Suite 190.
Traditional Series Concert Sunday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m. The Dallas Chamber Orchestra begins its 26th season by performing Bach’s Six Brandenburg Concertos, joined by the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church choir. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and $7 students and will be available at the door. Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, 9800 Preston. For more information, call 214-321-1411 or visit www.dallaschamberorchestra.com.
Spanish Art Exhibit Openings Sunday, Sept. 14. The Meadows Museum presents two special exhibits: “Spanish Master Drawings from Dutch Collections (1500-1900),” which will run through Sunday, Nov. 9; and “Images of Human Tragedy in Black & White: Etchings by Francisco de Goya and photographs by Jeffrey Gusky,” which will run through Sunday, Jan. 4. Admission to both exhibits is free. 5900 Bishop.
Pugsley’s Library Live music on Saturdays. Openers 7-8:30 p.m., headliners 9-11 p.m. 2443 Walnut Hill. For information, call 972-243-1111 or visit www.pugsleys.com.
Community
Partners Card Sales Monday, Sept. 8 Partners Card sales begin on this day at area merchants. The cards offer 20 percent savings at more than 600 retail venues during Partners Card Week, Saturday, Oct. 25-Sunday, Nov. 2. Cards are $60 each, with proceeds benefiting the Family Place, Dallas’ largest non-profit family violence agency. For more information, visit www.familyplace.org.
Marriage Preparation Seminar Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. This workshop is hosted by Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, to help couples who are engaged or contemplating marriage address some of the issues involved with saying “I do.” Cost for the seminar is $60, which includes a continental breakfast, lunch and materials. For more information, call the church office at 214-368-6348, ext. 113.
Egyptian Literature Lecture Saturday, Sept. 20, 7 p.m. Dr. John Foster of the University of Chicago presents this free lecture, “Ancient Egyptians I Have Known: Ancient Egyptian Poetry.” Hosted by the American Research Center in Egypt, North Texas Chapter. On the SMU campus, room 119 of the Fondren Science Building, 3125 Daniel.
Jazzercise Mondays, 10-11 a.m. Dance and get fit at the same time. $10 for JCC members and $15 for non-members per session. Aaron Family JCC, 7900 Northaven. For information, contact jcohn@jccdallas.com.
Readers’ Theatre Mondays, 1 p.m. Sharon Cane leads weekly sessions reading various plays, with one or more performances planned throughout the year. No memorization required. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For information contact info@jccdallas.com.
Movie Time Every first, third (and fifth, when applicable) Tuesday of the month, 10:30 a.m. Each session includes an interactive discussion following the film’s conclusion. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For information contact info@jccdallas.com.
Stretching and Exercise Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9-10 a.m. Stretching and low-impact group exercises with instructor Dorothy Gross. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For information contact info@jccdallas.com.
Art Classes Thursdays, 10 a.m.-noon Artist Veronique Jonas leads the class in ceramics and painting. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For information contact scane@jccdallas.com.
Photography Club Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Coordinator Mel Bruck focuses each session on the various elements of photography. Bring in photos for review. Some classes include outings to local sites for picture taking. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For information contact scane@jccdallas.com.
Education
School Open House Saturday, Sept. 13, 2-4 p.m. Pigment School of the Arts hosts an open house with snacks, beverages, music and fun. Bring your family along to check out the new school on the block. In the little gray house, 4410 W. Lovers. 214-352-2787.
Culinary
Goat Cheese Menu Friday, Sept. 12, 2-3 p.m. Let chef Gilles Ferme guide your taste buds through the creamy, tangy flavors of goat cheese. This tour will focus on creating your own unique cheese course at home. Whole Foods Market, 11661 Preston (at Forest). 214-361-8887.
The Chef Nick Show Saturday, Sept. 13, 2-3 p.m. Chef Nick combines comedy and food for children and adults who like to have fun while cooking simple, delicious Native American and Hispanic recipes. Whole Foods Market, 11661 Preston (at Forest). 214-361-8887.
Texas Taste Fair Saturday, Sept. 13, noon-3 p.m. This exciting sampling affair will feature products made right here in the Lone Star State. Meet folks from all over Texas and see what makes their products special. Whole Foods Market, 11661 Preston (at Forest). 214-361-8887.
Healthful Cooking Saturday, Sept. 20, 2-3 p.m. Chef Leslie Washburne focuses on whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, soy products and promoting a plant-based approach to cooking. Free, but class size is limited. Sign up at Customer Service. Whole Foods Market, 11661 Preston (at Forest). 214-361-8887.
Ask the Doctor Thursday, Sept. 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dr. Lane Cawthon will answer questions and concerns on how to improve your diet and health with nutritional healing. Sign up at Customer Service, class size is limited. Whole Foods Market, 11661 Preston (at Forest). 214-361-8887.
Simple and Fresh Pizzatini Saturday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m.-noon. Francee Griggsby will share her delicious ideas on fresh salad pizzas, the newest trend. Whole Foods Market, 11661 Preston (at Forest). 214-361-8887.
Great American Cheese Tour Saturday, Sept. 27, 2-3 p.m. This course takes an in-depth look at the art and craft of cheese making in our country. Whole Foods Market, 11661 Preston (at Forest). 214-361-8887.
Library
Library Live! Interacting with Hands, Voice and Music Tuesday, Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m. Learn to communicate thoughts and feelings through singing, playing instruments and sign language with The Pirtles. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal.
Stories of Costa Rica Tuesday, Sept. 16, 3:30 p.m. Help us celebrate Diez y Seis with this program for the whole family. Teatro Dallas presents a one-hour play about the folktales and culture of Costa Rica. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal.
Preston Royal Book Discussion Group Wednesday, Sept. 17, 10:30 a.m. Join us for a lively discussion of The Tale of Murasaki by Liza Dalby. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal.
